Robert Lyle Schilawski's Obituary
Robert “Bob” Lyle Schilawski 85, of Decatur died Wednesday October 29, 2008 in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Monday, November 3, 2008 in St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. Jeff Grant as Celebrant. Visitation will be 3:00 ' 5:00 pm Sunday in Moran & Goebel Funeral home with a Vigil Prayer Service at 2:45 pm. Memorials are suggested to St. James and Patrick Church or Catholic Charities.
Robert was born on November 10, 1922 in Menominee, MI the son of Walter and Mabel Peters Schilawski. He was a pilot the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He participated in Normandy D Day invasion and European Theatre operations through the end of the war and flew Holocaust survivors from Germany to France and Britain for medical treatment. He graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where he was granted a football scholarship. He was an Eagle Scout, former president of the Downtown Association, member of the Knights of Columbus Council #577, and former president of the Cerebral Palsy Association. Moving to Decatur in 1961, he managed Montgomery Ward and Goldblatt’s Department Stores. He enjoyed retail sales work at Muirhead’s, Summer’s, and Henry’s Mens Shops.
He married Eileen June Wagner on February 14, 1946 in Manitowoc, WI. Robert
was a dedicated father and a loving husband. He was loved by all who knew him and was a remarkable easy going gentleman. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in all of us who were privileged enough to know such a wonderful man.
Surviving are his wife, Eileen; children, Sue Smith Rich of Decatur; Bobbi Leonard of Decatur; Jim Schilawski Debby of Decatur; Jay Schilawski Diana of Decatur; Steve Schilawski of Decatur; Mark Schilawski Sara of Bloomington; and John Schilawski Sharon of Decatur; grandchildren, Jocelyn George Rob; Joel Schilawski Kim; Meredith Mulligan Andrew; Jamie Christenson; Justin Schilawski; Sean Schilawski; Tina Pierce Matt; Kyle Schilawski; Anna Schilawski; Reid Schilawski; and Max Schilawski; great-grandchildren, Dawson Schilawski; Kylee Schilawski; and Eva Schilawski.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Walter “Chum” Schilawski.
The family extends whole hearted thanks to Dr. Richard Fritz and his staff, Eagle Ridge Assisted Living, McKinley Court Nursing Home, and the exceptional care given at St. Mary’s Hospital.
The family of Robert “Bob” Lyle Schilawski is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, Illinois.
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